Viva Gold Completes Highly Successful 2026 RC Drill Program at Tonopah Gold Project in Nevada, Expanding Gold Mineralization and Delivering a New Discovery Viva intercepts 35.1 m at Midway Hills averaging 1.62 g/t Au and 16.7 g/t Ag, including 1.5 m at 18.4 g/t
NR 26-12
Viva Gold Completes Highly Successful 2026 RC Drill Program at Tonopah Gold
Project in Nevada, Expanding Gold Mineralization and Delivering a New Discovery
Viva intercepts 35.1 m at Midway Hills averaging 1.62 g/t Au and 16.7 g/t Ag, including 1.5 m at 18.4 g/t
Au and 76.9 g/t Ag, and bottoming in strong mineralization
VANCOUVER, BC – July 8, 2026 – Viva Gold Corp ( TSXV: VAU; OTCQB: VAUCF ) (the “ Company” or
“Viva”) has received the final assays for the last three drill holes in its 2026 spring reverse circulation (RC)
drill program totaling 3,210 meters in nineteen drill holes at its 100% owned Tonopah Gold Project
(“Tonopah,” or the “Project”). Tonopah is located on the prolific Walker Lane Mineral Trend in western
Nevada, approximately a 30 -minute drive south of Kinross Gold’s Round Mountain Mine. These final
assays complete a program that has materially expanded the gold footprint at Tonopah, both within and
beyond the 2025 resource pit, and the results are now being incorporated into an updated resource model
to underpin the Company’s ongoing pre-feasibility study.
Highlights
• Nineteen holes totaling 3,210 m were completed in the 2026 spring RC program, with all results
now being incorporated into an updated resource model to underpin the Company’s pre-feasibility
study (PFS).
• New Midway Hills discovery: TG2617 intercepted 35.1 m @ 1.62 g/t Au and 16.7 g/t Ag (including
1.5 m @ 18.4 g/t Au and 76.9 g/t Ag) and bottomed in strong mineralization.
• A three-hole fence at Midway Hills cut a major new gold zone in the Ordovician Palmetto Argillite
(OPA), with grade and thickness increasing to the west; the discovery remains open in all directions.
• Resource growth: 16 holes were drilled in the main pit area – 12 with significant intercepts and all
returning anomalous gold above 0.15 g/t Au – developing a new zone of continuous mineralization
on the southeast side of the pit.
• New high -grade intercepts were returned in areas previously classed as waste or inferred,
supporting the conversion of inferred material to measured and indicated resources, and
ultimately reserves, in the PFS.
“Our 2026 drill program was an outstanding success. This program resulted in major new gold intercepts
within the 2025 PEA resource shell in areas previously categorized as either waste or inferred
mineralization. In the western portion of the resource pit , drilling returned one of the strongest holes
drilled to-date in this area. These combined results will potentially add to high -grade mineralization that
can be mined early in mine life and are likely to convert inferred mineralization to measured and indicated
status while also adding new zones of inferred mineralization. In the Midway Hills prospect area of the
project a three-hole fence of drilling discovered a major new zone of mineralization that is showing both
increased thickness and gold grade to t he west and remains open in all dimensions. These results are
currently being rolled into our resource model to support our continuing PFS work on the project. This
program demonstrates the robust nature of the Tonopah gold resource along with the potential for
increasing overall gold resources,” stated James Hesketh, President & CEO.
Program Highlights
Midway Hills Discovery Area
Three vertical exploration holes totaling 628 meters were drilled in the Midway Hills prospect area that
intercepted a major gold zone in O PA below prior drilling that had primarily targeted mineralization in
overlaying tertiary volcanics (TVL):
TG2617 - 56.5 m @ 1.13 g/t Au and 11.3 g/t Ag in three zones commencing at 157 meters depth including
35.1 m @ 1.62 g/t Au and 16.7 g/t Ag, which included 1.5 m at 18.4 g/t Au and 76.9 g/t Ag starting
at 202.7 meters depth in the OPA. This hole bottomed at 238 meters depth in strong mineralization;
TG2616 (reported July 1, 2026) - 38.1 m @ 0.89 g/t Au and 6.78 g/t Ag, including 6.1 m @ 3.56 g/t Au
and 22.45 g/t Ag from 179.8 m depth in OPA;
TG2618 – intercepted anomalous gold in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 g/t Au, including 1.5 m at 1.2 g/t Au.
TG2618 intercepted OPA at 56 meters depth.
These three holes were drilled on a 240 -meter line trending in an east-west direction at an azimuth
of approximately 110 degrees. In sequence, these three holes display increasing gold grades and
thicknesses in a westerly direction. TG2617 and TG2616 are offset by 100 meters demonstrating
potential continuity of mineralization in this area of the OPA. Other than sporadic reconnaissance
drilling, TG2617 is the most westerly drill hole in the Tonopah database. The width of the Midway
Hills discovery zone was not defined by this drilling, and mineralization remains open to depth and
in a westerly dimension.
The next phase of work for Midway Hills will include a compilation of all existing geophysical and
drilling data, including CSAMT data collected in early 2026, to determine potential follow -up
targets. This work will include identification of areas where the underlying OPA have been uplifted
to better define shallow target potential.
2025 Resource Pit Area
A total of 2,582 meters was drilled in 16 holes in the main pit area with twelve of these holes reporting
significant drill intercepts and all holes producing anomalous gold intercepts above 0.15 g/t Au. This
program was designed to expand and infill gold mineralization, with the goal of upgrading inferred
resources to a level that supports conversion to mineral reserves in the PFS . A new zone of continuous
mineralization along the southeast portion of the main pit area was developed. These sixteen holes have
been added to the resource model and resource development work is underway.
Hole Azimuth Dip From To Length Gold Grade Silver Grade Rock Type Comment
Meter Meter Meter Gram/Tonne Gram/Tonne
TG2618 90 0 121.9
134.1 135.6 1.5 1.24 2.00 Midway Hills
100m East of TG2616
TG2617 90 0 237.7
150.9 167.6 16.8 0.32 2.07 Tvl Midway Hills
185.9 190.5 4.6 0.31 2.77 Tvl 100meters west of TG2616
202.7 237.7 35.1 1.62 16.76 Opa Major discover in OPA
including 227.1 230.1 3.0 10.27 51.70 Opa TD hole in grade
Released July 1, 2026
TG2616 90 0 225.6
160.0 163.1 3.0 0.32 1.55 Opa Midway Hills targeting
179.8 217.9 38.1 0.89 6.78 Opa OPA beneath existing
including 181.4 187.5 6.1 3.56 22.48 Opa driling.
Tvu = Upper Tertiary Volcanic Cutoff Grade: 0.2 Au g/t
Tvl = Lower Tertiary Volcanic
Opa = Ordovician Palmetto Argillite True thickness/widths are unknown
NSS = No significant sample
Tonopah Gold Project - Midway Hills Prospect Exploraiton
Final 2026 Reverse Circulation Drilling Program Results
Hole Azimuth D ip From To Length Gold Grade Silver Grade Rock Type Comment
Meter Meter Meter Gram/Tonne Gram/Tonne
TG2619 90 0 121.9
54.9 59.4 4.6 1.83 4.17 Opa East Pit, South Side
Released June 23, 2026
TG2615 60 -70 152.4
32.0 83.8 51.8 0.36 2.08 Opa South Side of Eastern Pit
including 71.6 74.7 3.0 1.05 2.10 Opa 65m SSE of TG2608
93.0 97.5 4.6 0.28 2.23 Opa Comfirms thick package of
mineralization
TG2614 55 -65 152.4
51.8 59.4 7.6 0.71 3.70 Opa Drilled NE from collar of TG2602
62.5 65.5 3.0 0.91 4.20 Opa Bisects between TG2601 and
70.1 74.7 4.6 0.44 2.77 Opa TG2422 confirming width
85.3 89.9 4.6 2.14 4.13 Opa extent of new zone
TG2612 0 -90 134.1
56.4 61.0 4.6 0.29 3.33 Opa Offsets TG2607 and TG2601
70.1 73.2 3.0 0.41 2.55 Opa on north side of new SE trend
7.6 0.34
Released 3 June, 2026
TG2610 0 -90 262.1
123.4 182.9 59.4 1.08 1.97 Tvl North side of Western pit
including 123.4 129.5 6.1 4.32 7.80 Tvl extension in inferred resource
including 158.5 163.1 4.6 2.26 1.90 Tvl block. Mill feed grade.
including 173.7 181.4 7.6 1.17 1.56 Tvl Likely grade increase and
189.0 217.9 29.0 0.76 3.88 Tvl/Opa upgrade to Indicated mtl.
including 196.6 198.1 1.5 8.67 10.50 Opa
TG2609 0 -90 266.7
131.1 138.7 7.6 0.58 1.44 Tvl South Side of Western Pit
201.2 208.8 7.6 0.31 2.24 Opa
Released 13 May, 2026
TG2606 0 -90 176.8
21.3 24.4 3.0 1.40 0.90 Tvl Infill hole located 35 meters
74.7 106.7 32.0 3.14 8.11 Opa north of TG2422 confirms
including 76.2 85.3 9.1 9.27 16.48 Opa shallow pit potential.
including 76.2 77.7 1.5 26.3 45.5 Opa Inferred conversion and grade
121.9 125.0 3.0 0.53 1.60 Opa increase to mill grade
134.1 141.7 7.6 1.31 1.58 Opa
157.0 163.1 6.1 0.79 1.75 Opa
TG2605 0 -90 170.7
62.5 74.7 12.2 0.38 1.86 Tvl Infill of inferred on north
115.8 123.4 7.6 0.34 1.04 Tvl boundary of 2025 PEA pit
Upgrades inferred
TG2608 0 -90 137.2
25.9 35.1 9.1 0.72 2.88 Opa Drilled on edge of inferred zone
including 29.0 32.0 3.0 1.39 3.45 Opa South east PEA pit
47.2 67.1 19.8 0.39 1.06 Opa Adds new mineralization
85.3 88.4 3.0 0.91 1.17 Opa Heap Leach grades
103.6 137.2 33.5 0.44 1.09 Opa
TG2607 225 -70 121.9
56.4 64.0 7.6 0.45 9.16 Opa Drilled 52 meters SE of
94.5 99.1 4.6 0.33 3.10 Opa TG2601 extending new zone
111.3 115.8 4.6 0.28 2.63 Opa Adds new mineralization
Released April 23, 2026
TG2601 225 -70 152.4
64.0 86.9 22.9 1.29 9.07 Opa 73M SE step-out from TG2422
including 64.0 68.6 4.6 4.73 21.60 Opa Mill circuit grade
TG2603 250 -70 131.1
94.5 109.7 15.2 1.16 1.59 Opa/Tvl 50M NW step-out from MW81
including 96.0 99.1 3.0 2.56 4.90 Contact Mill circuit grade
Tvu = Upper Tertiary Volcanic Cutoff Grade: 0.2 Au g/t
Tvl = Lower Tertiary Volcanic
Opa = Ordovician Palmetto Argillite True thickness/widths are unknown
NSS = No significant sample
Tonopah Gold Project 2025 PEA Resource Pit Area
Final 2026 Reverse Circulation Drilling Program Results
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Viva Gold utilizes a well-documented system of inserting blanks and standards into the assay stream and
has a strict chain of custody for samples taken by the Company. Assays taken by the Company are
completed at independent laboratories which have internal quality assurance and quality control systems
and procedures. Assays were performed by American Assay Laboratories Inc. of Reno, Nevada, by fire
assay and ICP methods with gravimetric finish.
Qualified Person
James Hesketh, MMSA -QP, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press
release. Mr. Hesketh is not independent of the Company; he is an Officer and Director.
About Viva Gold Corp:
Viva Gold’s 100%-owned Tonopah Gold Project is located within a large land position in established gold-
mining country on the prolific Walker Lane Structural Trend in western Nevada, approximately a 30 -
minute drive south of Kinross Gold’s Round Mountain Mi ne. Viva has defined a high -confidence gold
mineral resource and has demonstrated the potential for an economically viable open-pit, heap leach/mill
gold project through its 2025 preliminary economic assessment (PEA). PFS has been initiated on the
project with a final report due in fourth quarter of 2026. Viva Gold is committed to advancing the Tonopah
Gold Project in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, consistent with management’s core
values.
Viva Gold is led by CEO James Hesketh, a 40 -year mining industry veteran who has led the development
and construction of eight mines globally. The Board and management team include experienced mining
professionals with expertise in exploration, project development, construction, and mine operations.
Viva Gold trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (VAU), the OTCQB (VAUCF), and the Frankfurt Exchange
(7PB). Viva currently has approximately 172 million shares outstanding. The Company is advancing its
Tonopah Gold Project in mining- friendly Nevada with the s upport of institutional shareholders. More
information is available on https://www.sedar.com and at www.vivagoldcorp.com.
For further information please contact:
James Hesketh, President & CEO
(720) 291-1775
Graham Farrell, Investor Relations
(416) 842-9003
Forward-Looking Information :
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information or
forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-
looking information”), including but not limited to drilling operations and estimates of gold mineral
resource at the Tonopah Gold Project. This forward- looking information entails various risks and
uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those
contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength
of the global economy, inflationary pressures, pandemics, and issues and delays related to permitting
activities; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the potential for achieving targeted
drill results, the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the
degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks
and hazards associated with drilling and mining operations; and the ability of Viva to fund its capital
requirements. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the
Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada available at
www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Viva assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such
information unless required by law.
Cautionary Note to Investors --- Investors are cautioned not to assume that any "measured mineral
resources", "indicated mineral resources", or "inferred mineral resources" that the Company reports in this
news release are or will be economically or legally mineable. United States investors are cautioned that
while the SEC now recognizes "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred
mineral resources", investors should not assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these
categories will ever be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral
reserves. These terms have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. Under
Canadian regulations, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-
feasibility studies, except in limited circumstances. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a great
amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be
assumed that any part or all of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.
The mineral reserve and mineral resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance
can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of
recovery will be realized.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies
of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.